I love God's people and I love to get together with God's people. At Fellowship Baptist Church of Salisbury, we meet a few times a week in order to provide greater opportunities for worship, fellowship, discipleship and growth.
Everyone is aware of our main Sunday morning worship service, but I want to encourage those who only come for the Sunday morning service to try to make a more concerted effort to make it out for the other services throughout the week.
On Sunday morning at 10:00 a.m., we have our Sunday School. Sunday School is a great opportunity for discipleship and Bible teaching in a smaller group setting. We have classes for all ages, including an adult Sunday School class.
On Sunday morning worship service at 11:00 a.m. seeks to bring glory to God as we worship together in Spirit and in truth. We sing hymns, pray, fellowship, and look into God's Word together on a weekly basis during this service.
On Sunday evening at 6:00 p.m., we have our Sunday evening Bible study. Sunday evening tends to follow a particular series and gets a little bit more in-depth with the teaching and preaching of God's Word. Currently, we are studying through the book of Philippians on Sunday night - with a particular emphasis on "Right Thinking Really Matters" looking at the concept of the mind and thinking in this great book.
On Wednesday nights, we try to focus the nights on prayer. We take requests and split up in prayer. Recently we started to focus on some public reading of the Word of God on Wednesday nights and have begun to read through the Gospels as part of our Wednesday night service. Our current schedule is designed so that we corporately read through the Gospels by the end of this year. We also have a questions time to answer any questions that may come up as a result of the Bible reading.
Anyway, I would like to encourage you to join us for all or our services at Fellowship Baptist Church. You may find the blessing extends beyond Sunday morning.
In Christ,
Pastor Frank Sansone
Saturday, September 15, 2007
Friday, August 03, 2007
Great time with Faith Baptist Church of Champaign, llinois
This past few days we have had the privilege at Fellowship Baptist Church of Salisbury of hosting a mission team from Faith Baptist Church in Champaign, Illinois.
The team came with Youth Pastor John Cashner, Jim and Dawn King and family, and eight teenagers. It was great to have the team here at the church and we rejoice in the great time that was had. It was great to have this group of young people with us for the week and we are encouraged by God's working throughout the week.
On Saturday, we visited a number of homes and gave out church brochures and invitation to the Cola Clash and Vacation Bible School. In the evening, we held a Cola Clash Youth Rally. We had over 20 young people in attendance and the activities went well and the spirit of the meeting was great. We had a number of visitors for the night and the Gospel was proclaimed. We are praying that some who came without Christ will come to know Christ through the message that was preached and through the tracts and other information that was given out to those who came.
On Sunday we had a Fellowship Sunday and Pastor Cashner preached the afternoon service.
Monday through Wednesday nights we had Vacation Bible School, with the group from Illinois running everything. The team also completed some needed tasks around the church and were a real blessing. I know that our people also enjoyed the times of fellowship with the group throughout the week.
Thanks for coming, Faith Baptist Church. May God continue to bless you as you serve Him.
In Christ,
Pastor Frank Sansone
The team came with Youth Pastor John Cashner, Jim and Dawn King and family, and eight teenagers. It was great to have the team here at the church and we rejoice in the great time that was had. It was great to have this group of young people with us for the week and we are encouraged by God's working throughout the week.
On Saturday, we visited a number of homes and gave out church brochures and invitation to the Cola Clash and Vacation Bible School. In the evening, we held a Cola Clash Youth Rally. We had over 20 young people in attendance and the activities went well and the spirit of the meeting was great. We had a number of visitors for the night and the Gospel was proclaimed. We are praying that some who came without Christ will come to know Christ through the message that was preached and through the tracts and other information that was given out to those who came.
On Sunday we had a Fellowship Sunday and Pastor Cashner preached the afternoon service.
Monday through Wednesday nights we had Vacation Bible School, with the group from Illinois running everything. The team also completed some needed tasks around the church and were a real blessing. I know that our people also enjoyed the times of fellowship with the group throughout the week.
Thanks for coming, Faith Baptist Church. May God continue to bless you as you serve Him.
In Christ,
Pastor Frank Sansone
Monday, July 23, 2007
Cola Clash Youth Rally and Evening Vacation Bible School coming July 28 - August 1, 2007
Fellowship Baptist Church of Salisbury is excited about a couple of upcoming activities for young people.
On Saturday, July 28, we will be hosting a "Cola Clash". This activitiy will feature some great activities for teenagers as we meet together from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Saturday night. Among the activities are Tube Tug, Spoke Tackle, and Big Ball Volleyball. We will also have some hamburgers and hot dogs on the grill and a great time of fellowship together. To conlude the night, we will have a message from the Bible to answer questions about God and eternity.
See the "activities" page at www.fellowshipbaptist-salisbury.org for a flyer and some more information.
On Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday nights, we will be having an EVENING VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. each night. This special second VBS of the year is being conducted by a team from Faith Baptist Church in Champaign, Illinois. We will have Bible stories, singing, balloon animals and more. Please make plans on joining us for this special time.
Again, you can check out the "activities" page at www.fellowshipbaptist-salisbury.org for a flyer and some more information.
Look forward to seeing you there.
In Christ,
Pastor Frank Sansone
On Saturday, July 28, we will be hosting a "Cola Clash". This activitiy will feature some great activities for teenagers as we meet together from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Saturday night. Among the activities are Tube Tug, Spoke Tackle, and Big Ball Volleyball. We will also have some hamburgers and hot dogs on the grill and a great time of fellowship together. To conlude the night, we will have a message from the Bible to answer questions about God and eternity.
See the "activities" page at www.fellowshipbaptist-salisbury.org for a flyer and some more information.
On Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday nights, we will be having an EVENING VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. each night. This special second VBS of the year is being conducted by a team from Faith Baptist Church in Champaign, Illinois. We will have Bible stories, singing, balloon animals and more. Please make plans on joining us for this special time.
Again, you can check out the "activities" page at www.fellowshipbaptist-salisbury.org for a flyer and some more information.
Look forward to seeing you there.
In Christ,
Pastor Frank Sansone
Sunday, June 24, 2007
Vacation Bible School is Here!
This week, June 25-29, 2007, Fellowship Baptist Church of Salisbury is hosting our second annual Vacation Bible School.
This year's theme for Vacation Bible School is Rescue Zone: Saved by God's Power. We will be looking at a number of Bible stories that remind us of the fact of God's saving power, as well as considering some of the local heroes who are involved in rescuing folks all around - such as the fire department, policemen, paramedics, and coast guard.
Vacation Bible School for this year is from 9:30 a.m. to 12:00 noon from Monday through Friday. We will have a Bible teaching, singing, games, snacks, crafts and more. This is a totally free activity for ages 4 years old through those completing the sixth grade.
If you have any questions, please do not hestitate to call the church.
In Christ,
Pastor Frank Sansone
Saturday, March 10, 2007
Community Awareness Day and Special Meetings one week away!
In one week, Fellowship Baptist Church of Salisbury, Maryland will be hosting a Community Awareness Day as an outreach to our community. This day will feature special music, good fellowship, refreshments, and good preaching from Evangelist Ron DeGarde.
Community Awareness Day will also serve as the "kick off" for our Spring Special Meetings with Evangelist Ron DeGarde and his family.
If you are in the area, we would love for your to visit us for any of the services.
Community Awareness Day will also serve as the "kick off" for our Spring Special Meetings with Evangelist Ron DeGarde and his family.
If you are in the area, we would love for your to visit us for any of the services.
Sunday School - 10:00 a.m.
Morning Worship - 11:00 a.m.
Evening Service - 6:00 p.m.
Monday - Thursday Evenings - 7:00 p.m. each night
If you do not live in the area, pray that God would use these meetings for His glory.
For more information, see this page: Ron DeGarde Meetings
In Christ,
Pastor Frank Sansone
Friday, February 02, 2007
Last night, Fellowship Baptist Church of Salisbury, Maryland hosted the Bob Jones University Musical Ministry Team.
While we were down a little in attendance, the service went very nice as the team sang, played their instruments, and gave testimonies regarding God's working in their lives. Mr. Jon Reddick also delivered a short sermon on 1 Corinthians 13:1-3 and the value of love.
I appreciate the fact that the various Fundamental colleges and universities are willing to send their teams to small churches like ours. Since I have been down here in Salisbury, we have had the privilege of hosting teams from Bob Jones University, Maranatha Baptist Bible College, and Northland Baptist Bible College. Each time they have come it has been a blessing to our church and they have all represented their schools well.
While some might say that because we do not have a lot of teenagers, yet, in our church that these teams are wasting their times (after all, surely the justification for teams like this comes in part from the fact that they help to recruit teens to their respective schools). However, I appreciate the fact that the teams have not given that impression, but have instead taken an interest and talked with our folks and took the opportunity to minister to those who were there.
While we do have a few teens (and I praying that God would lead them towards a good solid Fundamental college), the reality is that by coming to a church like ours with very few teens, these teams are also helping to form a positive view of their schools in the lives of the parents and younger children - something that may indeed help in their enrollment down the road.
Anyway, I just wanted to take the time to encourage Pastors out there to host these teams when they are in your area and I wanted to say "thank you for coming" to Jon, Deb, Katie, Kimmy, James and Joey. Have a safe tour.
In Christ,
Pastor Frank Sansone
While we were down a little in attendance, the service went very nice as the team sang, played their instruments, and gave testimonies regarding God's working in their lives. Mr. Jon Reddick also delivered a short sermon on 1 Corinthians 13:1-3 and the value of love.
I appreciate the fact that the various Fundamental colleges and universities are willing to send their teams to small churches like ours. Since I have been down here in Salisbury, we have had the privilege of hosting teams from Bob Jones University, Maranatha Baptist Bible College, and Northland Baptist Bible College. Each time they have come it has been a blessing to our church and they have all represented their schools well.
While some might say that because we do not have a lot of teenagers, yet, in our church that these teams are wasting their times (after all, surely the justification for teams like this comes in part from the fact that they help to recruit teens to their respective schools). However, I appreciate the fact that the teams have not given that impression, but have instead taken an interest and talked with our folks and took the opportunity to minister to those who were there.
While we do have a few teens (and I praying that God would lead them towards a good solid Fundamental college), the reality is that by coming to a church like ours with very few teens, these teams are also helping to form a positive view of their schools in the lives of the parents and younger children - something that may indeed help in their enrollment down the road.
Anyway, I just wanted to take the time to encourage Pastors out there to host these teams when they are in your area and I wanted to say "thank you for coming" to Jon, Deb, Katie, Kimmy, James and Joey. Have a safe tour.
In Christ,
Pastor Frank Sansone
Saturday, January 20, 2007
Visit us for the Sacred Sounds team on February 1
On Thursday, February 1, Fellowship Baptist Church will host the Sacred Sounds Musical Ministry Team from Bob Jones University in Greenville, South Carolina.
We are looking forward to having the team join us for a time of singing and testimonies of God's goodness.
Having the service on Thursday may help some come who could not normally come. (This Thursday night service will take the place of our regular Wednesday night service this week.)
We look forward to seeing you on Thursday, February 1 at 7:00 p.m.
In Christ,
Pastor Frank Sansone
We are looking forward to having the team join us for a time of singing and testimonies of God's goodness.
Having the service on Thursday may help some come who could not normally come. (This Thursday night service will take the place of our regular Wednesday night service this week.)
We look forward to seeing you on Thursday, February 1 at 7:00 p.m.
In Christ,
Pastor Frank Sansone
Monday, December 18, 2006
2006 Christmas Letter
Dear Church Family,
Many years ago, the angel of the Lord told Joseph, "She shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins" (Matthew 1:21). The message of salvation that the angel proclaimed to Joseph is the same message of salvation that we must proclaim today. Jesus has come to save people from their sins. What a glorious truth to proclaim at this Christmas season!
We are excited about what God has been doing at Fellowship Baptist Church this year. When we take some time to look back over the year, it is with great awe that I echo the words of the Psalmist when he said, "O LORD my God, I will give thanks unto thee for ever" (Psalm 30:12).
While I do not have the space here to highlight many of God's blessings this year, I am reminded of great things He hath done.
This month, we are anticipating another good month of ministry and fellowship here at FBC and we pray that you will be a part of it.
On Saturday, December 16 at 6:00 p.m., we will meet at the church to go Christmas caroling and have a time of fellowship at our house after the caroling. There is also a ladies cookie exchange at 5:00 p.m. at the church before the caroling begins.
On Sunday, December 24, we will have a children's Christmas program as part of our morning service and a special Candlelight Christmas Communion for our Christmas Eve service.
On Sunday, December 31, Dr. William Woodhall will be our guest speaker during the morning service and we will be using our projector to watch a special film presentation during the evening service.
May Jesus Christ be exalted as we remember His birth.
In Christ,
Pastor Frank Sansone
Many years ago, the angel of the Lord told Joseph, "She shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins" (Matthew 1:21). The message of salvation that the angel proclaimed to Joseph is the same message of salvation that we must proclaim today. Jesus has come to save people from their sins. What a glorious truth to proclaim at this Christmas season!
We are excited about what God has been doing at Fellowship Baptist Church this year. When we take some time to look back over the year, it is with great awe that I echo the words of the Psalmist when he said, "O LORD my God, I will give thanks unto thee for ever" (Psalm 30:12).
While I do not have the space here to highlight many of God's blessings this year, I am reminded of great things He hath done.
* In January, we took a building fund offering and the Lord blessed with $20,000 to help us complete the purchase of our new building.
* In February, we moved into our new facilities at 1308 Robins Avenue, but had to continue praying as there was some complications with the purchase.
* In March, we finally closed on the new building and began to get it ready for the building dedication.
* In April, we had our Building Dedication Sunday and over 100 people visited us for this special day as Pastor Mark Franklin and Pastor Steve Wagner preached the Word.
* In the summer, we had our first Father-Son Camp-out and our first Vacation Bible School.
* In September, we had our church picnic and baptisms in the Nanticoke River at the Insley's.
* In October, we began our Sunday School program with a great percentage of our people - both children and adults - coming out to study God's Word in Sunday School.
* In November, we had our second annual Pie N Praise service on Thanksgiving Eve.
This month, we are anticipating another good month of ministry and fellowship here at FBC and we pray that you will be a part of it.
On Saturday, December 16 at 6:00 p.m., we will meet at the church to go Christmas caroling and have a time of fellowship at our house after the caroling. There is also a ladies cookie exchange at 5:00 p.m. at the church before the caroling begins.
On Sunday, December 24, we will have a children's Christmas program as part of our morning service and a special Candlelight Christmas Communion for our Christmas Eve service.
On Sunday, December 31, Dr. William Woodhall will be our guest speaker during the morning service and we will be using our projector to watch a special film presentation during the evening service.
May Jesus Christ be exalted as we remember His birth.
In Christ,
Pastor Frank Sansone
Sunday, November 19, 2006
Report on Progressive Thanksgiving Dinner
The teen youth group of Fellowship Baptist Church of Salisbury had a Progressive Thanksgiving Dinner on Friday, November 17, 2005. We had a good time of fellowship as we drove around to the various homes and ate some good food and played some Thanksgiving Games.
We had four stops on our tour and had a good time and good food at each. We started with a stop at Nancy Dodson's clubhouse for salad. After eating a great salad, we had a pin the beard on the Turkey competition, which Shane won and Rebecca came in second.
Our next stop was at the Insley home out by the Nanticoke River. Linda really went all out and we set down for what seemed like a formal meal. We had turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, rolls and more for the main course. I was a little worried by this time that we would everyone would be stuffed and not able to eat at the other two stops - but never underestimate the ability of teens to eat. After eating the meal, we played a little game where the guys wore paper bags over their heads and were playing the role of a turkey with their heads cut off. They each had a partner who was to yell directions to the turkeys as the navigated their way around obstacles on the Insley's deck. Tyler and Alexis won that competition, with Chad and Rebecca coming in second.
Our third stop was the Jones' residence down in Bi-Valve. We had appetizers at the Jones and they were very good and appropriately light. This worked really well after the meal portion that everyone had just ate. (Why appetizers after the main course? It worked better with some of the hosts schedules.) We also played a short game of Turkey trivia (the girls won) and played in the Jones' game room.for awhile before departing for our next stop.
Our final stop was at the Berglind's house for dessert. By this time, it was getting pretty late and a lot of folks were tired. We had cake, cheesecake, and cookies. It was very good and a great variety. I am sure all of the calories were removed from the items. Since it was getting pretty late by this time, we did not play a game at this house, but Chad and the bird entertained us while we were eating.
I want to thank all of the hosts for their work in hosting us for the trip. I appreciate all you did and we enjoyed it very much. I also want to thank Steven Fleming for driving the other vehicle on the trip - it was a great help, as well.
I am on the plane right now as I write this heading to Illinois to see my mother in the hospital. I love you folks at Fellowship Baptist Church. You have been a great encouragement to me as I go through this with my mom. Please continue to pray for her - and for me.
In Christ,
Pastor Frank Sansone
We had four stops on our tour and had a good time and good food at each. We started with a stop at Nancy Dodson's clubhouse for salad. After eating a great salad, we had a pin the beard on the Turkey competition, which Shane won and Rebecca came in second.
Our next stop was at the Insley home out by the Nanticoke River. Linda really went all out and we set down for what seemed like a formal meal. We had turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, rolls and more for the main course. I was a little worried by this time that we would everyone would be stuffed and not able to eat at the other two stops - but never underestimate the ability of teens to eat. After eating the meal, we played a little game where the guys wore paper bags over their heads and were playing the role of a turkey with their heads cut off. They each had a partner who was to yell directions to the turkeys as the navigated their way around obstacles on the Insley's deck. Tyler and Alexis won that competition, with Chad and Rebecca coming in second.
Our third stop was the Jones' residence down in Bi-Valve. We had appetizers at the Jones and they were very good and appropriately light. This worked really well after the meal portion that everyone had just ate. (Why appetizers after the main course? It worked better with some of the hosts schedules.) We also played a short game of Turkey trivia (the girls won) and played in the Jones' game room.for awhile before departing for our next stop.
Our final stop was at the Berglind's house for dessert. By this time, it was getting pretty late and a lot of folks were tired. We had cake, cheesecake, and cookies. It was very good and a great variety. I am sure all of the calories were removed from the items. Since it was getting pretty late by this time, we did not play a game at this house, but Chad and the bird entertained us while we were eating.
I want to thank all of the hosts for their work in hosting us for the trip. I appreciate all you did and we enjoyed it very much. I also want to thank Steven Fleming for driving the other vehicle on the trip - it was a great help, as well.
I am on the plane right now as I write this heading to Illinois to see my mother in the hospital. I love you folks at Fellowship Baptist Church. You have been a great encouragement to me as I go through this with my mom. Please continue to pray for her - and for me.
In Christ,
Pastor Frank Sansone
Monday, November 06, 2006
Pastor's Pen (Bulletin Version) - November 5
It was great to see a number of vehicles here yesterday for the Kitchen Shower. Part of me wanted to sneak in and see exactly what ladies do at these things called "Showers", but the wiser part of me realized that I would probably only get myself into trouble. I heard, however, that the ladies had a great time with the shower and that many needed things were supplied as part of the process. Thanks to Linda Crockett and Nancy Dodson for heading up this activity.
Our new sign is now mounted! Jimmy and Johnny Insley and a crew of guys were out here yesterday fighting the cold to put up the sign. It looks really nice and it should go a great way in letting people in the area know that we are here.
Coming up in a few weeks is our Pie N Praise service. Even if you do not normally make it out for our Wednesday night service, I want to encourage you to try to work your schedule so that you can be hear for this special night. We will have a special time on "Thanksgiving Eve" as we praise the Lord for His goodness and we think back on what God has done. We will also have a time of pie and ice cream after the service as an added incentive.
We are in the process of planning an upcoming Youth Activity. I would like to do a Progressive Thanksgiving Dinner for the teens - with a few twists that will remain secret at this time. In order to be able plan this activity, I need at least three families that would be willing to open their homes to us and a couple of drivers. If you would be interesting or willing to help us out for this youth activity, please see me for details.
Tuesday is Election Day. Don't forget to get out to your polling place and exercise your civic duty.
In Christ,
Pastor Frank Sansone
Our new sign is now mounted! Jimmy and Johnny Insley and a crew of guys were out here yesterday fighting the cold to put up the sign. It looks really nice and it should go a great way in letting people in the area know that we are here.
Coming up in a few weeks is our Pie N Praise service. Even if you do not normally make it out for our Wednesday night service, I want to encourage you to try to work your schedule so that you can be hear for this special night. We will have a special time on "Thanksgiving Eve" as we praise the Lord for His goodness and we think back on what God has done. We will also have a time of pie and ice cream after the service as an added incentive.
We are in the process of planning an upcoming Youth Activity. I would like to do a Progressive Thanksgiving Dinner for the teens - with a few twists that will remain secret at this time. In order to be able plan this activity, I need at least three families that would be willing to open their homes to us and a couple of drivers. If you would be interesting or willing to help us out for this youth activity, please see me for details.
Tuesday is Election Day. Don't forget to get out to your polling place and exercise your civic duty.
In Christ,
Pastor Frank Sansone
Monday, October 23, 2006
Pastor's Pen (Bulletin Version) - October 22, 2006
In October of 1998, Messiah Baptist Fellowship (as Fellowship Baptist Church was then known) had a Church Charter Day at the facilities next to the Red Door Sub Shop in Salisbury. Thirty people signed the church charter that day as they were led by Pastor Steve Wagner. After having a family style dinner at English's Restaurant, they returned to the church facilities for an afternoon service. Dr. William Woodhall, a retired pastor from Delaware who later served here as Interim Pastor, was the guest speaker for the afternoon service and preached from Acts 2 regarding the necessity of building a church based upon the principles of God's Word.
Looking through the history this week in preparation for our Anniversary, I was amazed at all the changes that have occurred in the short eight-year history of this church.
The original charter was signed by thirty-one people. In the past eight years, some of those original charter members have moved out of state, some of them have moved on to other places of worship, and some of them have moved on to their Heavenly reward. There only remains a handful from that original group, yet the church is moving forward and thriving.
God has provided us with a great "core group" of believers and has brought the church through many things in the last eight years. I rejoice in the leadership of Pastor Wagner and Pastor Woodhall in laying a solid foundation for this church. I rejoice in the leadership of our deacons and men in allowing us to stay strong as the church went through a leadership change with Pastor Wagner's call to South Carolina (often difficult for a small and young church).
As I have looked at the changes and thought about things (even the restaurant they ate at that Charter Sunday is no longer in existence), I rejoice in the things that have not changed. Our God is not changed, His Word is not changed, and the firm stand of this church on the unchanging Gospel has not changed.
May God give us many more years of faithfulness to Him.
In Christ,
Pastor Frank Sansone
Looking through the history this week in preparation for our Anniversary, I was amazed at all the changes that have occurred in the short eight-year history of this church.
The original charter was signed by thirty-one people. In the past eight years, some of those original charter members have moved out of state, some of them have moved on to other places of worship, and some of them have moved on to their Heavenly reward. There only remains a handful from that original group, yet the church is moving forward and thriving.
God has provided us with a great "core group" of believers and has brought the church through many things in the last eight years. I rejoice in the leadership of Pastor Wagner and Pastor Woodhall in laying a solid foundation for this church. I rejoice in the leadership of our deacons and men in allowing us to stay strong as the church went through a leadership change with Pastor Wagner's call to South Carolina (often difficult for a small and young church).
As I have looked at the changes and thought about things (even the restaurant they ate at that Charter Sunday is no longer in existence), I rejoice in the things that have not changed. Our God is not changed, His Word is not changed, and the firm stand of this church on the unchanging Gospel has not changed.
May God give us many more years of faithfulness to Him.
In Christ,
Pastor Frank Sansone
Monday, October 16, 2006
Pastor's Pen (Bulletin Version) - October 15, 2006
Thank you for all who came out yesterday to pass out brochures and invite people to church. It was great to have a good turnout and we were able to contact well over one hundred homes in the process. I have heard that some good contacts were made. Please pray that this effort bears some fruit.
Thank you as well for praying for me and my family last week as we went up to the Bible Conference of Hardingville Bible Church. The Lord gave us safety as we traveled and things went well with the Bible Conference service that I preached. We presented a little Power Point presentation about what God is doing down here at Fellowship Baptist Church and Missy gave a testimony about life as a Pastor's wife. We also sang "My Jesus, I Love Thee" as a duet and I preached. The people were responsive and I believe that God was honored and the people were challenged by the Word of God. I really do appreciate your prayers when I have the occasion to go and preach at other places. I am mindful that as I do go to Conferences and things of this nature and preach, that, in addition to representing Jesus Christ, I am also representing this church.
While I am on the subject of preaching at other places, this might be a good time to mention and request your prayers for me for the future. In December (after Christmas), I will preaching for a College and Career Retreat at Peniel Bible Camp in Ohio. This is a camp that is run by the Ohio Bible Fellowship, a strong, fundamental group of churches in the state of Ohio. I have often heard of the OBF and of this camp, but this will be the first time that I have been able to preach there. I am looking forward to the being at the camp and request your prayers as I partake in this ministry opportunity.
Thank you as well for praying for me and my family last week as we went up to the Bible Conference of Hardingville Bible Church. The Lord gave us safety as we traveled and things went well with the Bible Conference service that I preached. We presented a little Power Point presentation about what God is doing down here at Fellowship Baptist Church and Missy gave a testimony about life as a Pastor's wife. We also sang "My Jesus, I Love Thee" as a duet and I preached. The people were responsive and I believe that God was honored and the people were challenged by the Word of God. I really do appreciate your prayers when I have the occasion to go and preach at other places. I am mindful that as I do go to Conferences and things of this nature and preach, that, in addition to representing Jesus Christ, I am also representing this church.
While I am on the subject of preaching at other places, this might be a good time to mention and request your prayers for me for the future. In December (after Christmas), I will preaching for a College and Career Retreat at Peniel Bible Camp in Ohio. This is a camp that is run by the Ohio Bible Fellowship, a strong, fundamental group of churches in the state of Ohio. I have often heard of the OBF and of this camp, but this will be the first time that I have been able to preach there. I am looking forward to the being at the camp and request your prayers as I partake in this ministry opportunity.
Tuesday, October 10, 2006
It all started with Sunday School
I am excited about the beginning of Sunday School. I hope that you were here this morning and that you will make plans to be here regularly for Sunday School.
The following is given as an encouragement regarding Sunday School.
IT ALL STARTED WITH SUNDAY SCHOOL
In 1858, Mr. Kimball, a Sunday School teacher, went to visit a Boston shoe clerk who had come to Sunday School. That young shoe clerk came to Jesus Christ for salvation and God worked in his life as went on to become a famous evangelist who reached thousands for Jesus Christ. The clerk's name was Dwight L. Moody.
The story does not end with Moody, however, as the influence of Mr. Moody continued to have an impact. As Mr. Moody visited England in 1879, Frederick B. Meyer, a pastor of a small church in England became convinced of the need to be more evangelistic and God began to do great things in and through his ministry as well.
Pastor Meyer was preaching to an American College campus some years later and brought to Christ a young man by the name of J. Wilbur Chapman.
Mr. Chapman, began to be involved in the Young Men's Christian Association (in the days when the focus of the YMCA was evangelism) and employed a former baseball player to do evangelistic work. That baseball player was Billy Sunday, who became one of the most well- known evangelists of American history.
The chain could continue indefinitely if we were able to go back and look at all of those who were won to Christ or motivated for Christ through the influence of these men - and it all started with Sunday School.
In Christ,
Pastor Frank Sansone
The following is given as an encouragement regarding Sunday School.
IT ALL STARTED WITH SUNDAY SCHOOL
In 1858, Mr. Kimball, a Sunday School teacher, went to visit a Boston shoe clerk who had come to Sunday School. That young shoe clerk came to Jesus Christ for salvation and God worked in his life as went on to become a famous evangelist who reached thousands for Jesus Christ. The clerk's name was Dwight L. Moody.
The story does not end with Moody, however, as the influence of Mr. Moody continued to have an impact. As Mr. Moody visited England in 1879, Frederick B. Meyer, a pastor of a small church in England became convinced of the need to be more evangelistic and God began to do great things in and through his ministry as well.
Pastor Meyer was preaching to an American College campus some years later and brought to Christ a young man by the name of J. Wilbur Chapman.
Mr. Chapman, began to be involved in the Young Men's Christian Association (in the days when the focus of the YMCA was evangelism) and employed a former baseball player to do evangelistic work. That baseball player was Billy Sunday, who became one of the most well- known evangelists of American history.
The chain could continue indefinitely if we were able to go back and look at all of those who were won to Christ or motivated for Christ through the influence of these men - and it all started with Sunday School.
In Christ,
Pastor Frank Sansone
Thursday, October 05, 2006
Good Start to Sunday School
On Sunday, we held our first Sunday School at Fellowship Baptist Church in Salisbury, Maryland.
It was great to see that a number of folks came out a little earlier to take part in our Sunday School classes. In fact, while I did not get a chance to look into all the classes since I was teaching the teen class, I heard today that all but three people who came to the morning service were also here for Sunday School.
In our testimony time tonight at church, it was encouraging to hear some comments about the way that God is already using things that have been taught in Sunday School. Please make plans to join us for Sunday School at 10:00 a.m. on Sundays.
Also, please pray for our Sunday School teachers and Sunday School students. (While you are at it, please pray for me, as well.)
In Christ,
Pastor Frank Sansone
It was great to see that a number of folks came out a little earlier to take part in our Sunday School classes. In fact, while I did not get a chance to look into all the classes since I was teaching the teen class, I heard today that all but three people who came to the morning service were also here for Sunday School.
In our testimony time tonight at church, it was encouraging to hear some comments about the way that God is already using things that have been taught in Sunday School. Please make plans to join us for Sunday School at 10:00 a.m. on Sundays.
Also, please pray for our Sunday School teachers and Sunday School students. (While you are at it, please pray for me, as well.)
In Christ,
Pastor Frank Sansone
Tuesday, September 26, 2006
Sunday School to begin this Sunday
I am excited about the beginning of Sunday School next week. I hope that you will make plans on coming out to Sunday School and to bringing others out to Sunday School as well.
The first Sunday School was started in 1780s by a man named Robert Raikes who had a burden for the children of his day. He started a Sunday School in Gloucester, England in 1780 and by 1786 an estimated 250,000 children were attending Sunday Schools all over the place.
By the mid-1980s the U.S. alone had 29.7 million Sunday School students, although there has been a significant decline in Sunday Schools in the late 1980s and 1990s.
As we begin our Sunday School program next week at Fellowship Baptist Church, I ask that all of us pray for God's working in our Sunday School program. Pray for our teachers. Pray for our students. Pray for God to be glorified and lives to be changed.
I found these verses the other day that I thought were appropriate for this week's bulletin. (To the tune of God Bless America)
God bless our Sunday School - Built on Thy Word;
Leaning only on Jesus As the way and the truth and the Word
From the preschool, To the high school,
To the seniors, one and all;
God bless our Sunday School - On Thee we call
God bless our Sunday School - On Thee we call.
God use our Sunday School - Stir us, we pray.
Move us boldly to witness of Thy Son Who's the truth and the Way
With our families and our neighbors
In the country and the town,
God use our Sunday School - May grace abound.
God use our Sunday School - May grace abound.
The first Sunday School was started in 1780s by a man named Robert Raikes who had a burden for the children of his day. He started a Sunday School in Gloucester, England in 1780 and by 1786 an estimated 250,000 children were attending Sunday Schools all over the place.
By the mid-1980s the U.S. alone had 29.7 million Sunday School students, although there has been a significant decline in Sunday Schools in the late 1980s and 1990s.
As we begin our Sunday School program next week at Fellowship Baptist Church, I ask that all of us pray for God's working in our Sunday School program. Pray for our teachers. Pray for our students. Pray for God to be glorified and lives to be changed.
I found these verses the other day that I thought were appropriate for this week's bulletin. (To the tune of God Bless America)
God bless our Sunday School - Built on Thy Word;
Leaning only on Jesus As the way and the truth and the Word
From the preschool, To the high school,
To the seniors, one and all;
God bless our Sunday School - On Thee we call
God bless our Sunday School - On Thee we call.
God use our Sunday School - Stir us, we pray.
Move us boldly to witness of Thy Son Who's the truth and the Way
With our families and our neighbors
In the country and the town,
God use our Sunday School - May grace abound.
God use our Sunday School - May grace abound.
End of the Series on Elijah
On Sunday, we finished our series on Elijah that we have been studying at the church. When we started this series before Mother's Day, I did not expect that we would still be on Elijah in September.
After studying the life of Elijah for the last few months, part of me feels like I just said "good- bye" to an old friend in Sunday's sermon. It has been encouraging and challenging to read and study the life of this man who James tells us "was subject to like passions as we are (James 5:17)." It is challenging to see this man of God rise up out of obscurity and boldly proclaim God's message to a king, queen, and nation that had rejected God's ways. It is encouraging to see God's provision for this man and remember that God will take care of His children. It is challenging to see this man of God standing against the prophets of Baal and praying earnestly for the rain that God brings. It is encouraging to remember that the same God who sent the rain in answer to Elijah's prayer desires that we bring our prayers to Him, as well.
One of the most encouraging things that showed up in the study for Sunday's message was thinking through the ramifications of Elisha's actions after Elijah was taken to heaven. When Elisha asks "Where is the God of Elijah?" and then God parts the Jordan, the simple, but very important truth rings out - the God of Elijah is still in control and the God of Elijah will continue to "shew Himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward Him (2 Chronicles 16:9)."
We plan on adding the last sermon of this series on the church web-site this week and then have plans on making the entire series available soon (except for the one week when we were without electricity and could not record). I'll let you know when those plans are completed.
In Christ,
Pastor Frank Sansone
After studying the life of Elijah for the last few months, part of me feels like I just said "good- bye" to an old friend in Sunday's sermon. It has been encouraging and challenging to read and study the life of this man who James tells us "was subject to like passions as we are (James 5:17)." It is challenging to see this man of God rise up out of obscurity and boldly proclaim God's message to a king, queen, and nation that had rejected God's ways. It is encouraging to see God's provision for this man and remember that God will take care of His children. It is challenging to see this man of God standing against the prophets of Baal and praying earnestly for the rain that God brings. It is encouraging to remember that the same God who sent the rain in answer to Elijah's prayer desires that we bring our prayers to Him, as well.
One of the most encouraging things that showed up in the study for Sunday's message was thinking through the ramifications of Elisha's actions after Elijah was taken to heaven. When Elisha asks "Where is the God of Elijah?" and then God parts the Jordan, the simple, but very important truth rings out - the God of Elijah is still in control and the God of Elijah will continue to "shew Himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward Him (2 Chronicles 16:9)."
We plan on adding the last sermon of this series on the church web-site this week and then have plans on making the entire series available soon (except for the one week when we were without electricity and could not record). I'll let you know when those plans are completed.
In Christ,
Pastor Frank Sansone
Friday, September 15, 2006
Baptismal Service
I wanted to post this earlier this week, but do to some difficulty with the networking aspect of the computer that I use for pictures, it has been delayed until today.
Praise the Lord for the Great Baptismal Service.
This past Sunday was a special day here at Fellowship Baptist Church in Salisbury, Maryland. In addition to our regular Sunday Morning Worship Service this past Sunday(in which we are still looking at the life of Elijah), we had a Fellowship Lunch and a Baptismal service down at the Insley's house down at the Nanticoke River.
These are the first Baptisms that we have had since I began as Pastor of Fellowship Baptist CHurch and other than Michelle K. (a teen - now married with children - who I had the privilege of baptizing when I was a Youth Pastor at Heritage Baptist Church in Mt. Laurel, New Jersey), these are the first baptism that I have ever had the privilege of performing.
The time of fellowship was great before the Baptismal service and the Baptisms went well. It was neat for me to help these three individuals take this step of obedience to the Lord.
A special treat for me was the privilege of baptizing my own son, Josiah. As a father, it is a blessing to me to see the growth in his life. I also had the privilege of baptizing Victoria, who came to know Christ on our last Sunday in the old building, and Dave, who has been saved for a number of years, but had never before been baptized.
Having the baptisms at the river was a really nice touch. Since we do not have a baptismal at the church building (yet), the location on the Nanticoke River seemed like an ideal spot. The Lord gave us good weather for the baptisms and the water was not too cold.
Below are some pictures of the baptisms that my wife took.
In Christ,
Pastor Frank Sansone
(Cross-posted on A Thinking Man's Thoughts)
Praise the Lord for the Great Baptismal Service.
This past Sunday was a special day here at Fellowship Baptist Church in Salisbury, Maryland. In addition to our regular Sunday Morning Worship Service this past Sunday(in which we are still looking at the life of Elijah), we had a Fellowship Lunch and a Baptismal service down at the Insley's house down at the Nanticoke River.
These are the first Baptisms that we have had since I began as Pastor of Fellowship Baptist CHurch and other than Michelle K. (a teen - now married with children - who I had the privilege of baptizing when I was a Youth Pastor at Heritage Baptist Church in Mt. Laurel, New Jersey), these are the first baptism that I have ever had the privilege of performing.
The time of fellowship was great before the Baptismal service and the Baptisms went well. It was neat for me to help these three individuals take this step of obedience to the Lord.
A special treat for me was the privilege of baptizing my own son, Josiah. As a father, it is a blessing to me to see the growth in his life. I also had the privilege of baptizing Victoria, who came to know Christ on our last Sunday in the old building, and Dave, who has been saved for a number of years, but had never before been baptized.
Having the baptisms at the river was a really nice touch. Since we do not have a baptismal at the church building (yet), the location on the Nanticoke River seemed like an ideal spot. The Lord gave us good weather for the baptisms and the water was not too cold.
Below are some pictures of the baptisms that my wife took.
In Christ,
Pastor Frank Sansone
(Cross-posted on A Thinking Man's Thoughts)
Saturday, August 26, 2006
Upcoming Baptismal Service and Picnic
On September 10, we will be having a very special day here at Fellowship Baptist Church. On that day, I will have the privilege and honor of performing my first baptisms as your Pastor.
Baptism is one of the two ordinances of the church. When we consider those things that are ordinances, there are three criteria that have been established. An ordinance is something that was instructed by Christ in the Gospels, practiced by the early church in the book of Acts, and explained in the Epistles. The two ordinances that fit that criteria are believers baptism by immersion and the celebration of the Lord's Table.
With this special day, we will have a little different schedule. (All times are appropriately approximates.)
For the picnic, we are asking folks to bring sides and desserts to share. If you have some folding chairs that you could bring for the Baptismal service, that would also be a help. (You could either bring them the day of the service or if you want to bring the chairs early and have them taken down to the Insley's, that could probably be arranged, as well.)
In the event of a "rain out", we will have the Picnic & Baptism on September 24th instead.
In Christ,
Pastor
Baptism is one of the two ordinances of the church. When we consider those things that are ordinances, there are three criteria that have been established. An ordinance is something that was instructed by Christ in the Gospels, practiced by the early church in the book of Acts, and explained in the Epistles. The two ordinances that fit that criteria are believers baptism by immersion and the celebration of the Lord's Table.
With this special day, we will have a little different schedule. (All times are appropriately approximates.)
The schedule for the day will be as follows:
10:45 a.m. - Worship Service at the church
1:00 p.m. - Picnic Lunch at the Insley's
We can caravan and carpool down to their house after the morning service.
2:00 p.m. - Baptismal service at the Nanticoke River
For the picnic, we are asking folks to bring sides and desserts to share. If you have some folding chairs that you could bring for the Baptismal service, that would also be a help. (You could either bring them the day of the service or if you want to bring the chairs early and have them taken down to the Insley's, that could probably be arranged, as well.)
In the event of a "rain out", we will have the Picnic & Baptism on September 24th instead.
In Christ,
Pastor
Friday, July 07, 2006
Each Sunday, the back page of our church bulletin includes some "Notes from the Pastor's Pen." This is copied from the Notes from Pastor's Pen that was on Sunday's Bulletin.
Wow! What a week!
This past week, we held our first-ever Vacation Bible School here at Fellowship Baptist Church and I believe that things went pretty well and that God blessed the VBS in a great way. How did God bless us? Let me count some of the ways.
1. God blessed us with a good turn-out.
2. God blessed us with a good crew.
3. God blessed us with "smooth sailing"
4. God blessed us with one profession of faith.
There are many other areas of God's blessing that were obvious during the week that space will not permit me to discuss here. It is exciting to be able to see God work and it is exciting to be able to serve God. Praise God for a good Vacation Bible School!
Wow! What a week!
This past week, we held our first-ever Vacation Bible School here at Fellowship Baptist Church and I believe that things went pretty well and that God blessed the VBS in a great way. How did God bless us? Let me count some of the ways.
1. God blessed us with a good turn-out.
Considering that this is the first time we have ever held VBS, I believe that having in the mid-20s every day was a good turn-out considering the size of our church and the number of children we start with as a church.
2. God blessed us with a good crew.
It was exciting for me, as Pastor, to see the dedication and talents that God has given to our small assembly. From teaching to snacks and everywhere in between, people were ready, willing, faithful, and available to help this week. I had originally thought we would need to bring on some "outside help" for the week, but God was already preparing people in our own church for the tasks at hand.
3. God blessed us with "smooth sailing"
While not everything went exactly as desired, as a general rule everything went pretty well. There we no major areas of disturbances or difficulties.
4. God blessed us with one profession of faith.
We know that Isaiah tells us that God's Word will not return void, so we know that whether there are visible or numerical results, God is accomplishing His will as His word goes out, but it was especially neat to see one young child make a profession of faith during the week.
There are many other areas of God's blessing that were obvious during the week that space will not permit me to discuss here. It is exciting to be able to see God work and it is exciting to be able to serve God. Praise God for a good Vacation Bible School!
Monday, June 19, 2006
Father/Son Campout
On Friday night, we held our first-ever Father-Son Campout and I think it went well. Jimmy and Linda opened up their yard for us to come and throw up some tents and have a great time as fathers and sons.
Dave Reese and my son, Josiah, managed to hook and haul in a huge "skape" or sting ray. It took about 30 minutes and a broken net to wear it down before they were able to bring it to the dock. Unfortunately, it was too heavy for the line of Josiah's pole, so it became an "escaped skape." We did get a picture of it up close and personal though.
Dave also managed to catch the smallest fish of the night and John & Shane stayed up late pulling in about a dozen fish for a fish-fry. Tyler & Alex also cought themselves some pretty nice fish as part of the night.
We also played a short fathers versus sons soccer game (sons won) and had a cookout for dinner and a campfire for s'mores. Jimmy also took us out on the river for a ride and it was a great time of fellowship as men and boys.
We concluded with a time around the Word as we considered some advice from David to his son Solomon as David was nearing his death.
In a day in which fathers are often absent or absent-minded, it was nice to have a time where fathers and sons could spend some time together for the night.
In Christ,
Pastor Frank Sansone
Dave Reese and my son, Josiah, managed to hook and haul in a huge "skape" or sting ray. It took about 30 minutes and a broken net to wear it down before they were able to bring it to the dock. Unfortunately, it was too heavy for the line of Josiah's pole, so it became an "escaped skape." We did get a picture of it up close and personal though.
Dave also managed to catch the smallest fish of the night and John & Shane stayed up late pulling in about a dozen fish for a fish-fry. Tyler & Alex also cought themselves some pretty nice fish as part of the night.
We also played a short fathers versus sons soccer game (sons won) and had a cookout for dinner and a campfire for s'mores. Jimmy also took us out on the river for a ride and it was a great time of fellowship as men and boys.
We concluded with a time around the Word as we considered some advice from David to his son Solomon as David was nearing his death.
In a day in which fathers are often absent or absent-minded, it was nice to have a time where fathers and sons could spend some time together for the night.
In Christ,
Pastor Frank Sansone
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